Would you, could you ever buy a TVR?

[Justin]

This week's Autocar tests a TVR Speed Six against a Boxster S. The Boxster wins for handling reasons, but is blown into the weeds in performance terms by the TVR (0-60 in 4.2, 180mph and all for £40k in the UK), which sounds like it needs only a few tweaks to be competitive in handling terms.

The interior is the most imaginative one I have ever seen in a production car(except for the TVR Cerbera) and the engine is a peach. It seems to be close to being a Ferarri rival for loose change (in Ferarri terms anyway).

But would you seriously consider one? A secondhand Griffith (0-60 in a tardy 4.5 or so) could be obtained for Stg£22-5k in the UK. Is it a real alternative? The Speed Six is a bit (no a lot) ugly, but the Griffith is a beautiful car - and for boring old 3 series money! Any thoughts? Has anyone driven one?

[Ivan]

While they are superb looking cars and the performance cannot be questiond I hear TVRs have an appaling reputation for build quality. I've only ever seen one for sale here in Cork and for the way it looks you'd quickly forget anything you've heard regarding the above.

A great piece of indivuality to own, esp. in Ireland, but (cost aside) it'd really be a heart over head decision.

[BeCos]

Yes I would defintiely go for one if I had the readies, although I dont like the Griffith. I prefer the UGLY look, but I'd say you'd need to own an Insurance Company to get rolling in this godforsaken place.